report

Water sharing agreements ‘helpful’ in a drought

Water sharing agreements ‘helpful’ in a drought

As reservoir levels stabilize in southern Alberta, a consulting company says it’s crucial that all stakeholders work together. Irrigation districts in southern Alberta managed a tough growing season as drought maintains a stubborn hold and calls for maintaining co-operation between stakeholders and better water storage infrastructure continues. From the Milk River along the U.S. border to the Hay River running into the Northwest Territories, 50 water shortage advisories are currently in place across the province.

Quebec holds consultations on James Bay lithium mine with Cree of Eeyou Istchee

Quebec holds consultations on James Bay lithium mine with Cree of Eeyou Istchee

In the 279 page assessment, the authors outlined a number of concerns including, “Effects on fish and fish habitat resulting from the harmful alteration, disruption or destruction of habitat, particularly due to the gradual drying up of Kapisikama Lake, hydrological changes to the watercourses and changes in water quality,” the assessment said and added, “Effects on the wetlands due to their destruction or disturbance, caused by the development of mine infrastructure and the drawdown of the water table.”

Report indicates Canada has failed to provide clean drinking water to First Nations

Report indicates Canada has failed to provide clean drinking water to First Nations

A new human rights report released this week highlights Canada’s failures to address long-standing abuses, including the failure to provide clean drinking water to First Nations. The report published by the Human Rights Watch group outlines the lack of safe water access in indigenous communities across the country, despite the federal government’s promise in 2015 to end all drinking water advisories on First Nations reserves by 2021.

Report: Canada still failing to address Indigenous rights

Report: Canada still failing to address Indigenous rights

Human Rights Watch has again given Canada's treatment of Indigenous people a failing grade. As Heather Yourex-West explains, the organization is highlighting how the protection of Indigenous women and girls is falling short, and the lack of access to clean drinking water for First Nations.

Water Security Agency’s conditions at freeze-up report says province having dry winter

Water Security Agency’s conditions at freeze-up report says province having dry winter

The Water Security Agency’s (WSA) Conditions at Freeze-up Report says the province is experiencing a dry winter in most areas. Early summer and spring precipitations were higher than normal while the last half of summer and fall experienced soil conditions drier than normal at freeze-up. Southern and central Saskatchewan have adequate supplies of later water reservoirs. 

Feds didn't supply enough resources to end water advisories on First Nations: auditor

Feds didn't supply enough resources to end water advisories on First Nations: auditor

“We are very concerned, and honestly, disheartened that this long-standing issue is still not resolved,” Horgan told a news conference in Ottawa. Indigenous Services Canada won’t meet its commitment to eliminate all long-term drinking water advisories by the end of March, something the government admitted late last fall. Hogan also noted the government has not created a regulatory regime for managing drinking water in First Nations communities. “Access to safe drinking water is a basic human necessity,” she said. “I don’t believe anyone would say that this is in any way an acceptable situation in Canada in 2021.”

Government Not Meeting Safe Drinking Water Standards

Government Not Meeting Safe Drinking Water Standards

A scathing report has been released by Canada’s Auditor General concerning on-going boil water advisories in First Nations communities. Karen Hogan says the support provided by Indigenous Services Canada has not been adequate to address long-standing problems with safe drinking water for many. Hogan says drinking water notices remain a part of daily life in many aboriginal communities, with almost half of existing long-term advisories in place for more than a decade.